I actually feel like summer is just kicking off, because we're finally having our blue-sky, sunny days after the insane amount of rain we had in May + June. But then, last week I heard a "back to school" ad on the radio and it sent chills down my spine. Why must they ruin summer in mid-July? Of course I loved finding the perfect backpack, getting new markers, and finding the perfect notebooks and folders, but come on! I get it, people want to plan ahead. Summer isn't over. I can learn to just ignore.

This isn't really a story. And it is a non-story that doesn't really have a point.

So maybe we should talk about this avocado dill vegan roasted potato salad? Because even if you're shedding summer-is-over tears on your brand new notebook, this potato salad says summer is still alive!!

Traditional potato salad is something that also sends chills down my spine. Are there even real potatoes in there or is it just globs of white sauce with mystery vegetables hiding inside?

Maybe you love it. Maybe it has some sort of summer nostalgia for you. It's okay. I forgive you.

Whatever your opinion on potato salad is, this simple, summery version is a must try!

With just a handful of ingredients you can throw this together in no time at all.

Chop potatoes into 1/2-1 inch sized pieces. Place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Spread in an even layer. Roast for 15 minutes, then toss and roast for another 12-18 minutes, until edges are golden brown and potatoes start to puff.

While potatoes are in their second roast, place the garlic in your food processor (7-cup to 11-cup will work well here) and turn on until minced. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the avocado, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, dill, a pinch or two of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse until avocado and dill are well chopped but not pureed. Taste and add more oil, lemon, salt and/or pepper if desired. (I used a scant 1/4 cup olive oil + 2 tablespoons lemon juice.)

If serving hot, toss dressing with hot potatoes and serve. If serving room temperature (my preference), let potatoes cool and make the dressing while they cool. Toss to coat, add more salt/pepper if needed, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Notes:

Sauce best made day of serving for the best appearance (although, it doesn't brown much at all after sitting). Store leftovers in the fridge for about 24hrs.

This was a recipe I could not.stop.eating. The flavors are so simple yet bold. I recommend doubling it for a crowd and the leftovers are absolutely delicious cold out of the fridge.

Is it weird to tell you I had low expectations for this vegan caesar salad? I just wasn’t sure if it would all come together. I didn’t know if the dressing would taste smokey enough but still recognizably like caesar dressing, while also being vegan. I also wasn’t sure if the grilled cauliflower steaks would work on a salad. But at the same time I couldn’t get the idea for this recipe out of my head. So, I gave it a go.

Good news! It worked! And now I’m totally obsessed with this dressing. It’s by far my favorite vegan caesar dressing to date. It’s the perfect mix of chipotle + caesar flavors. And the creaminess comes from tofu instead of cashews in this version.

I love how cauliflower is one of those vegetables that’s in season in the summer and winter. It’s one of our favorite veggies around here, especially when we need a break from broccoli. There are so many uses for cauliflower these days, too. From pizza crust, to cauliflower-rice, to sauces, buffalo cauliflower bites, and probably things I don’t even know about. My love for this crunchy white vegetable is endless.

Over the years, we’ve tried to add more + more organic foods to our shopping cart. I won’t deny the difference in price, but buying organic leaves me with peace of mind about what I’m putting into my body on a daily basis. When we started shifting our diet (many years ago) and stopped buying as many packaged + processed foods but upped our organic produce intake, our grocery bill didn’t really change. It’s amazing how those convenience items added up! I rely heavily on fruits + vegetables in my diet, and I like to know they’re as healthy + safe as possible for my body and the environment. This is exactly I've come to love Earthbound Farm and their commitment to being 100% certified organic.

These days, to keep costs down I look for recipes that I know use less expensive produce and other grocery items. I also save the fancy produce for special meals, watch sales at a few different stores, use coupons, and also look for ingredients that are in season for the best deals.

Fun health fact! Did you know cauliflower rich in vitamin C? We usually think of citrus as being loaded with vitamin C, but in just 1 cup of cauliflower you’ll get 77% of your daily value.

Drain tofu in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or the sink. Or, spread on a doubled over kitchen towel and let drain for about 10-15 minutes. (Don’t press on the tofu, just let it drain.)

Whisk together cauliflower marinade ingredients: oil, lime juice, adobo sauce, and garlic powder. Set aside. Place washed cauliflower head on a cutting board stem end down. Starting in the center and chopping straight down, cut about 3/4-inch thick steaks. Usually I get about 3 that hold fully together. Keep as many of the steaks in tact as possible. Cut away some of the stem + leaves, while still keeping the steaks in tact. Smaller steaks are also fine (see photo below). Avoid chopping into florets.

Preheat your grill to 400° F and place cauliflower on a large-rimmed baking sheet. Pour on the marinade. Gently rub on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.

While the grill preheats, place tofu, oil, vinegar, lemon, garlic, 2 teaspoons adobo sauce, braggs, capers, dijon, and pepper into your blender. Blend until smooth. Taste. Add more salt (not more braggs), pepper, and/or adobo sauce if desired. The dressing should have a noticeable chipotle flavor but still taste very much like a caesar dressing. Place dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Place steaks on your grill for about 10-15 minutes, until starting to lightly char and become tender. Toss chickpeas with oil and a sprinkle of salt + pepper. Place on a grill pan and grill until golden brown, stirring a few times, 15-20min. Remove once done. Flip cauliflower and grill another 10-12 minutes. Test with a fork for doneness.

While steaks grill, prepare your greens. Mix romaine and Kale Italia at a 1:1 ratio (in a large bowl or individual servings). Once cauliflower is done, place on each salad while warm and to with chickpeas. Shake dressing, then pour on and serve with a lemon wedge.

Notes:

Other serving methods: 1. Mix greens with the dressing and serve with cauliflower, chickpeas, remaining dressing, and lemon on the side. 2. Chop cauliflower and toss with the salad, chickpeas, and dressing. Serve with lemon.

To roast cauliflower and chickpeas in the oven: Place both on a separate baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Roast cauliflower for about 10-15 minutes per side, until tender and golden brown on both sides. Roast chickpeas for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown, turning a few times.

Happy Friday!

Ashley

Today’s post is sponsored by Earthbound Farm. Product opinions are always my own. If I didn’t love it, you wouldn’t hear about it.Thank you for supporting the occasional sponsored post that helps fund all the deliciousness + behind the scenes action you see here.